Learning Corridor Initiative
The Learning Corridor Initiative was the movement in the 1990s by Trinity's administration to revitalize the local neighborhood and create connections between Trinity and the surrounding community, specifically the students of Hartford. The Learning Corridor is an educational complex located on Vernon Street that consists of four Hartford schools (the Hartford Montessori School, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science, and Hartford Magnet Middle School) as well as the Trinity Boys and Girls Club. The entirety of the campus is 19 acres and was officially opened in 2001.
Planning for construction of the buildings occurred under Trinity President Evan S. Dobelle in 1996. The project was completed in partnership with the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) and other Hartford groups, and was supported by the State of Connecticut. U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman received a President's Medal of Excellence from President Dobelle for his help in securing funds for the project.
The Initiative was put forth as evidence of the vital role that colleges have in the urban development of the cities in which they reside. The Learning Corridor used education as the catalyst to demonstrate this change. In 2011, Trinity signed an agreement with Hartford Public Schools that changed the Hartford Magnet Middle School to the Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy (HMTCA). The agreement added a college preparatory high school program to the middle school that allowed HMTCA students to take introductory courses on Trinity's campus. This furthered the original goal, fostering connections between the College and its surrounding community by making HMTCA students feel more integrated with Trinity's campus.
Sources
Reflecting on the 20th Anniversary of the Learning Corridor
The Trinity Reporter, Spring 2021.
The Trinity Reporter, Winter 2001.